On the other hand, this is the first time they’ve raised the possibility that the scouts could be there to watch Dias.

The Portuguese 20-year-old plays at centre-back for the second-placed Primeira Liga side. He started the season with the academy, but he’s now a regular in the senior team.

Despite his age, Dias has 11 consecutive league appearances since the turn of the year. He even scored three goals in that time, including one on Saturday as Benfica kept a clean sheet.

Plus the youngster has some experience against English opposition. He played in both of Benfica’s Champions League matches against Manchester United. His team conceded three goals in those two games. Still, without him in the other four group matches they let in 11.

Andrija Zivkovic

Zivkovic, meanwhile, is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who excels at through balls and ball retention, can play centrally or on either flank and has three goals, four assists and three Man of the Match performances in 19 appearances this season.

We’ll have to wait and see whether there’s any truth in the links, or the Portuguese media are just taking advantage of a young player scoring a few goals.

Arsenal fan since a young age, now a season ticket holder who enjoys writing, tweeting and making videos about the Gunners. Also likes: guitar, gaming and lists of three.
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